How to Trim Boxwood Shrubs

Pruning is done for both plant health and aesthetics, particularly when it comes to landscaping with boxwood shrubs. Trimming boxwood shrubs may be done to remove damaged parts of the plant, to help them maintain shape or to improve general health by trimming branches. But few things are as damaging to shrubs as improper pruning; doing it the right way, at the right time, is essential.

Things You'll Need

Bleach
Bucket

Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Trim boxwood shrubs regularly during their first few years of life. After three to four years, boxwoods need only be trimmed for aesthetics to keep them in a specific shape.
- 2
  Prune boxwood shrubs in late winter or early spring (February, March, April), but never in late summer as this will encourage new growth just before winter, when frost will damage the plant.
- 3
  Mix 1 part household bleach with 9 parts plain water in a large bucket.
- 4
  Dip pruning shears in the solution before every cut made; the solution will disinfect the blades, preventing the spread of disease.
- 5
  Look for damaged and diseased branches, as well as branches that are affecting the overall look of the boxwood shrub.
- 6
  Cut branches on a soft angle, 1/4 inch above a bud. Prune away only the tips of stems unless wood is damaged. Cut diseased and damaged branches as close to the trunk as possible.

The Fastest-Growing Bamboo

White Crape Myrtle Varieties

Landscaping Shrubs